With most of the big-name MLB free agents off the board and the starting pitcher’s market especially picked over, there are some free agents who have seemingly been swept under the rug.
Right-hander Michael Wacha is one of them.
Recently, MLB Network did a segment discussing where he could potentially land this offseason.
The #MLBTonight crew looks at Michael Wacha, Adam Duvall and Jurickson Profar as they headline some of the top remaining free agent players on the market. 👀 pic.twitter.com/xzhzMN2E5r
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 3, 2023
Wacha enjoyed a year of resurgence with the Boston Red Sox, winning 11 games and posting a 3.32 ERA in 23 starts, his lowest since 2018 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
But with starting pitching at a premium, there are several teams who could use his services in 2023.
Here are two potential landing spots for the veteran righty.
1. San Francisco Giants
San Francisco could be an interesting fit.
They have signed a few starters to bargain deals, those being Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling.
But with Carlos Rodon gone, there is definitely a need for a frontline starter in the Giants rotation.
This is where Wacha would come in handy.
The right-hander was on pace to become an All-Star before a shoulder injury took him out for a few months.
It would be a gamble for sure, but it could turn out to be an under-the-radar type move.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
Perhaps a reunion with his old club is in the cards (no pun intended).
The 31-year-old came up with the Cardinals in 2013 and earned NLCS MVP honors.
He also earned an All-Star nod in 2015.
St. Louis is another team with an obvious need for starting pitching.
Not only are Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz far from sure things, but as of now, four of the team’s five current starters are not under contract beyond 2023.
Wacha could help provide some stability in a rotation that desperately needs it.
